Review of Building a Game by Body Type: Play to Your Strengths

Overview
One size of Jiu‑Jitsu does not fit all. Long‑limbed guard players, compact wrestlers, heavy pressure merchants—each can thrive by choosing positions that suit their levers and temperament.

Who benefits
- Frustrated students trying to copy their coach’s very different body.
- Athletes plateauing without a coherent A‑game.

Pay‑off
- Tall/slim: Collar/sleeve, spider, triangles, back‑takes from DLR.
- Short/stocky: Half guard underhooks, body locks, knee cuts, mount.
- Explosive: Stand‑ups from guard, snap‑downs, leg‑drag blitzes—tempered by energy management.
- Calm/grindy: Over‑under, pressure passes, mount control, collar chokes.

Watch‑outs
- Don’t use body type as an excuse to avoid weaknesses forever—have a B‑game.
- Beware survivorship bias: what works for your hero may not fit your frame.

Try this round
- Menu pick: Choose two takedowns, two passes, two guards, two submissions that fit your type. Drill chains between them.
- A‑game round: Start every roll in your lane (e.g., collar‑sleeve). If you score, reset and repeat.
- Opposite day: One round per session in your least favourite lane—just enough to keep it honest.

Final word
Build a game around your strengths, then sand the rough edges. Authentic beats imitation, especially under pressure.

-Chuck